Tuesday, April 5, 2011

J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs!}

This is the weekly "J.Crew Reviews {straight from the JCAs}" post, to help each other share our reviews.

So if you have recently purchased, or stopped by a J.Crew store to try on an item (or two) from J.Crew, maybe you might be willing to share that information with us in this post.

Also, this request is not just limited to clothes. Please feel free to discuss bags, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc.

In particular, if you could mention a few of the noteworthy details like fit, size, fabric, and the like— that would be fantastic! Thanks in advance! :)

69 comments:

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  2. I tried on the Sardinia wedge espadrille over the weekend. So cute, but... ouch! I am a 7 1/2 and tried the size 8. My toes were a little crunched and the soles were very hard so the bottom of my feet hurt. I was in pain just standing in them. Too bad because they looked adorable on.

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  3. Irl pics of the cotton lace shift dress in this post, $59.99 online, $39.99 in-store.

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  4. OT - Banana Republic one-time use code H33LV4ZP9H2M gets 35% off two full-price items, Tue, 4/5 only.

    Blogger won't let me get to the Other Retailers post for some reason.

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  5. Just received the chambray schoolboy blazer and the islet paisley shirt - I love them both - they are well worth the money!

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  6. Can anyone comment on the sizing of the Belmarin pants? Store didn't have anything close to my size and got mixed feedback from the SAs. Thank you!

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  8. mommydearest, I own two pair of the Belmarin pants (sale colors). I wear the same size Belmarin as Waverly and Canteen pants. I did purchase these pants a size smaller than my pencil skirts (my only other recent purchases for the bottom half of me!) The Belmarin's are a nice light weight. I haven't had problems with them stretching out as the day progresses (like some other Crew pants). I have washed mine a few times. Line dry. I do need to iron - but I iron almost everything :) Length is good for flats on me (5'8") possibly low heel. Hope this helps!
    WMM, totally agree on the islet paisley. Purchased mine last night in B&M. Fit TTS. LOVE. Now if the paisley shorts would arrive in store! (not to wear together, haha)

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  9. I received the silk driving scarf in the retro orange color (the geo print, not the flowery one) and I am a little bit disappointed in the colors. I thought it was a navy/red print but it is actually grey/orange so more muted than I expected. I saw it once in the store but didn't look very closely and then it disappeared. I wanted to weat it with navy and white so I think I am going to return it. It is a beautiful silk though!

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  10. Ema, thanks for the input on the driving scarf - it certainly looks vibrant on the website!

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  11. silver_lining, it is still a beautiful scarf but I wasn't expecting to see charcoal gray. I am so over charcoal right now!

    I also received the boathouse shirtdress. Someone asked about the sizing on this one and I would go with your regular size, it is roomy enough (size one down if you want it more fitted). Definitively do not size up. HTH!

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  12. Amory Floral Castaway Dress

    The print is adorable IRL; I was attracted to it right away. This dress is short but not too short even on me at 5'10". It is very comfy and can easily be worn alone. It also looks cute belted. Definitely size down, though. It seems every dress I've tried lately has run large. I have a larger chest and could size down to a 4 with room to spare. The material is substantial but light enough for a hot day. Oh, and if you don't want to pay $90 and live near a factory store, they might have it there. They have it at mine for $79.50 plus 30% off all dresses. A much better deal. I bought it but won't be wearing it for at least 6 weeks... because it isn't even close to being spring-like weather where I am!

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  13. I shared this over the weekend, but the new French terry hoodies (#36105) run HUGE. I can usually wear a Medium in just about anything at JC, and occasion ally a Small if the style runs a little big, but I had a sneaking suspicion these might run large. Against my better judgment, I ordered a Med during final sale and I am absolutely swimming in it. :(

    It's also quite distressed-looking. As in, moreso than normal. It literlly looks like I've loved it to death since I was in 5th grade, lol.

    That said, it's VERY soft and comfy. I will probably just schlub around the house in it for now and order a smaller one for wearing out durng the enxt % off sale. That's expensive schlubwear, jeez.

    Has anyone else noticed there have been no updates to the sale section online? Could it be that the're actually starting to sell through their inventory??

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  15. Elaine, I also ordered the french terry hoodies and agree, they run huge. I am almost always a small in jcrew hoodies, and these were way too big. I also agree, SO comfy, and I loved the colors (got navy and clay). But the reason I'm writing -- did you check your receipt? They should not have been final sale -- I know mine weren't and I was able to return them. If you have thrown away your receipt, your email receipt will work as well... HTH...

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  16. (I posted this last night in the old reviews thread...)

    My love affair with J Crew shoes continues. The tawny orange leather Collins arrived today and they're awesome. The fact that I got them for only $92 with that last 30% off promo makes it even better. They look totally fresh, not returns. The color is clay-like, very similar but a little more intense than the provence pink Jenna cardi which also arrived today. Just as it is with my mink leather Collins, the top strap crossing over my foot is snug, but not uncomfortable.

    The Jenna cardigan is very cute. I sized up and it's good that I did because it appears to run a bit small. The provence pink is like a clay color, not as pink as I expected but very pretty.

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  17. Requesting a review of an old item... the yellow Cherbourg coat. There is one on ebay and I might go for it but wondering how it ran sizewise? Also, is it as impractical as I think? A yellow spring coat... hmm. Thanks in advance :)

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  19. hey Audrey, I did notice on the slip that they weren't final sale -- I just wasn't sure if that would actually hold up in the court of J Crew, LOL! But if you were able to return yours, then I'm happily trotting off to the store to return them today.

    What colors did you get? I got the bronzed clay because I'm on a terra cotta kick this spring, but I'm not sure I'll re-order it. I think I thought it was more reddish than rust-ish. I may go for the apricot one instead ... but I'll have to wait for another sale. Urgh.

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  20. This is kind of late but I finally got around to posting an IRL pic of my J. Crew bonbon coat (seehere). I got it in "sea salt" (size 6R), and I'm using it as my spring coat - although it is double cloth, it is a little lighter in weight, so it's perfect for early spring weather in Canada. This was my favourite purchase of the past season - I loved the roomy fit through the body and the skinnier fit of the sleeves.

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  21. I recently received the Navy Delaney dress in my usual size 4 (for JCrew Dresses and Perfect Shirts). It fit me very nicely. I was worried about it being tight in the bodice -- I had heard it ran small -- but it fit my 34"B chest well, and accomodated my lack of defined waist too. Good length on my 5'5" frame.

    However, like most JCrew sleeveless dresses, the straps are ever-so-slightly longer than I'd like.

    I've been searching for a cool, summery Navy eyelet dress since last year and really want to keep this one. I was surprised to find that the dress had a polyester lining, and I'm thinking that might get hot.

    Also, I the pockets are not sewn on-seam (as I had thought) and make the dress look a bit more casual than I was hoping.

    Despite all that, I still like it.

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  22. LOVE my navy striped Sardina wedge espadrilles! I took my usual size 6 and have found them easy to wear, walk in and very comfy... and with the platform they add height but are not to high for me.

    Looking to buy the orange when they go on sale. : )

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  23. Hey, has anyone heard anything on the urban slim fit cargo pants for men. I'm interested in getting a pair but I wanted to hear some reviews on it about the quality, fit, etc. I was thinking about getting the olive instead of the khaki. What do you think?

    http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/pantsbyfit/urbanslim/PRDOVR~32767/32767.jsp

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  24. Good Morning!

    Vintage Cotton Mixed Lawn Shirt: LOVE this soft shirt! I want to wear it ever day- however, it is thin and delicate and want to save it. I can't say enough about the color "Red". It's not a true red, but a slightly spicy, darker red. I like that because next to the obvious "Spring" tones, this color stands out as on-trend yet a bit more sophisticated. I imagine that the white would be especially sheer.

    MacAlistar Wedge Boots: Size up! This were large on me. What a great in-between season shoe. They are unlined, but that didn't bother me- just un unusual. I had to return them because I felt they were not a necessity, but I look forward to getting them soon.

    Vintage Cotton Cowlneck Tee: The material is very thin and the cowl is a bit flimsy and might need constant attention to lay right. Returned it.

    xoxThe Cricket.

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  25. I received the safari shirtdress in sage as part of my final sale order. At first I was dissapointed. It was too short, too high-waisted, too wrinkly and not the color I expected.
    Since it was FS I ironed it and let go of the hem (almost 2 inches).
    I now think it is a very nice dress for the price ($27.99) and I recommend it.
    I am 5'7" and with lettin go of the hem it hits me just above the knee. If you are shorter the lenght will probably be fine on you. You can also shorten the elastic inside for a better fit in the waist.
    I got it in my regular size even if the measuremnts I got online seemed huge. Seeing it on other bloggers I decided it is TTS and I am glad I did.
    It is very soft and comfy and imo great transitional piece. I will wear it with boots for colder months or with rolled sleeves and light ginger Oxfords. You can belt it but I actually like the ease of it unbelted but with a long necklace for some interest.

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  26. Hi ajc - thanks for posting about the safari shirtdress. I tried it on in-store and also thought the sage color was not as it appeared on line - it was a darker, more military green color. I have a feeling it might get another cut. It is a cute dress, though - good call letting the hem out! I think it just looks too darn short on the model.

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  27. Yes, silver_lining, it seemed more like military, fatigue green at first. Somehow, after I ironed it, the color looks better and more like light sage. Is it even possible? Maybe it just looks better in the daylight.

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  28. Totally OT, but Tori Spelling is wearing the Cecilia dress in retro orange.

    http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,20479211,00.html#20933262

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  30. http://www.people.com/people/gallery/0,,20479211,00.
    html#20933262

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  32. Have to make this quick, but I *sort of* reviewed the drift dress/lyric dress and floral creek cardigan in this ootd post from yesterday: http://mysuperfluities.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-into-style-monday-april-4-2011.html.

    Here are my thoughts on two pieces I have yet to wear but have purchased. The cotton lace shift that Gigi just reviewed is lovely, nice, soft cotton, and I adore the lace, but unlike everyone else, I went with my normal J. Crew jersey dress size of small because I need the extra room in the hips. Had I sized down the hips and pockets would have looked ridiculous on me. I also purchased the shelby dress, and in that I sized down to a size 4, more than enough room for my hips there. Size 4 is my perfect shirt size, fwiw. Oh, so pretty in real life too. Love this.

    Hope that helps someone. :)

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  33. I got the Studded toe cap ballet flats this weekend in store. I didn't really love these online but they are super cute in-person. I took a 9.5. I am classically right between sizes but they seemed to run really big. The 10's were huge on me. They are super comfy so far too! They are priced cheaper in stores and I used the Mickey 20% off card. Woot!

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  34. I received a pair of the Maggie cropped trousers - great silhouette but seem to run a bit big. They are ok but probably could have sized down in them. They are also UNLINED. WTH is that about? Unlined wool pants? Glad I got them for cheap. The descriptions should specify this information.

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  35. I just received the Merino confetti stripe sweater-dress in an x-small which is my regular size. It's so cute on, I love it! I don't know where I'm going to wear it yet. I think it's something you could dress up or with a jean jacket or navy blazer & sandles to be more casual.

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  38. Has anyone gotten a rewards card yet? I just noticed my points balance changed over...

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  39. I also received the Maggie trousers. I actually think they are tts (I have the new chino capris and the Lollis in a 3, got these in a 4 as well and if anything they are a smidge smaller than the Lollis). Yes, for the original price of $168 it is crazy that they are unlined. However, the fabric is thick enough that the lack of a lining won't bother me, esp. for $40.

    I also received the Delilah pencil skirt. Very cute, like the ruching. TTS. The fabric is a lightweight cotton. Also crazy at full price, but again I'll take it $59 with the 30% off.

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  40. oops, meant size 4, not 3. No junior sizing here.

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  41. @mommydearest...

    I have the Belmarin pants in dark pewter, size 2. I have noticed that my size 2 corduroy trousers are MUCH tighter than the Belmarin pants. The pants also seem to stretch a bit during the day.

    The leg is definitely narrower than a trouser leg. It shows quite a bit of my shoes (size 7).

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  42. Silk Sophie blouse (41473) - Love the cut of this, TTS, would be very cute for spring/summer (and maybe even worth FP) if it weren't COMPLETELY SEE THROUGH. I'm pale and you could easily see my skin tone right through it. Argh.

    Ribbon cami (39311) - See above. TTS, cut in at the arms so your bra straps will show (as well as your whole bra because the top is completely transparent).

    Katie colorblock cami (36736) - cute top but could've probably sized down. It was generous in the bust and a little volumonous in the tummy area. The straps are a tad long and if I were going to keep it, I'd shorten them.

    Provence dress (37185) - Very, very cute. I can't believe that this dress has gone down so low in price. Fully lined and feels very substantial. TTS.

    Perfect-fit mixed-tape cardigan (29176) - A little late to the party but I love these. Feels nice and thick unlike some other *cough* JC knits. Glad to nab the sweet moss color - I'd say it's not as sagey as the website, more of a darker green. Love.

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  43. silver_lining, I too love the provence and mixed tape cardi! I debated on the Katie colorblock, the color is so stunning but now having read your review, I'll try it on in stores instead. :)

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  44. I really like the Mixed Tape cardis too.

    I'm thinking of buying the Forever Cardigan in Cotton. I love the colors. Anyone try these?
    Are they similar to the Mixed tape cardis?

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  45. maryeb, glad you asked as I was going to provide a review of the Forever Cardigan.

    I have two of the Spring/Summer Forevers and they fit true to size and there is no tight sleeve problem. The copy mentions lightweight cotton and they really should have said featherweight because I find these to be even thinner than the featherweight cotton bling-button cardis from last summer. It's not a bad thing for a summer sweater but I can't see these lasting "forever".

    I'm on the tall side and these hit just slightly higher on my hips than shown on the model. Colors are pretty close to what I see on my monitor and are quite lovely, I bought the purple and the melon. When open the buttons droop because they are a bit heavy, you can zoom in on the model shot to see what I mean. I'll likely wear these with most of the buttons done up so I don't mind. The fit is streamlined but not overly tight, which is likely a good thing because these are so thin.

    If you have any specific questions about them, fire away and I'll answer as best I can.

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  46. The Fineline cami in brilliant blue is a really wonderful piece. The color truly is brilliant and just stunning IRL. There is no side zip or back closure, the cami just pulls on easily. The fit is excellent for layering or wearing alone, it's not boxy but not overly fitted either. The armholes don't gape so no bra shows and as it looks online, the neckline is very modest but not too high. My favorite feature is the rich texture of the silk, which is truly divine next to the skin. I am in between sizes for J.Crew tops due to my larger bust so I went with my bigger of two sizes and it was the right choice as there is no pulling across the bust and it fits nice in the body too.

    My PS said this was selling fairly well and I noticed a couple of colors are sold out in certain sizes. Although it has been out for a while it is not yet marked down. IMO this is a classic piece that I can wear for years, there is nothing trendy to it, like raw edges, ruffles or sequins. I decided to pick it up now in order to get the most wear out of it this summer and I definitely will, I love it.

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  47. The chambray Dorrie skirt was the only thing I was really excited about from the last rollout, and it is even better IRL. It is almost identical to the A.P.C. skirt I missed out on last spring. Fits TTS and personally, I think it looks better worn high at the waist (unlike the website photo where it is low at the waist and looks a bit frumpy). I tried a size up worn lower at the waist and it poofed out at the hips in an unflattering way. It is unlined, 100% cotton and machine washable.

    I also found the shawl collar cardigan in salt (Item 39478) on sale at the B&M for $32 with the Mickey card. (a steal considering reg. price was $110) It is TTS and made of a substantial cotton knit. It has this beachy New England vibe to it. After I got it, I saw it in the May issue of Lucky magazine (in "My Mom, the Style Icon" feature).

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  48. Anyone have an in-person photo of the fineline cami? xoxo's review has me tempted...

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  49. I wonder if the fineline cami in gray that I ordered was sized incorrectly. I ordered my usual 4 and needed a size or two smaller. It absolutely hung on me. I wish the B&Ms had the so I could try another. The fabric and styles is great.

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  51. Elaine -- I did get the bronzed clay and the "dark" navy. As you noted, those color descriptions would only have been accurate (if ever) many washes ago. A more accurate description IMO would be faded orange and faded blue... Still, I liked them... but mostly for the gym and doing stuff with my numerous (actually only three but feels like more) kids. I did not think they were different enough from my old faded hoodies to bother reordering. I do think the apricot will not look so OLD, as it is already a light color... may be worth a try, like you said, with another promo... Hope you had no problems with your return!!

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  52. OK....so I've been stalking the website for the double serge skirt popback in bright dahlia for over one month. They now have the summer version in cotton in stores... got my size immediately. Even better as I can wear this year round. So beautiful. Yea!!!!

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  53. Pic of the indigo pea coat in this post. Still regular price online, $89.99 in-store.

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  54. Thanks, XOXO. Your review is really helpful. I have two of the bling button cardigans from last year and even though I loved them initially, they definitely are not holding up well. One of them has a a couple of snags in the back. I'm not sure how this happened.

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  55. My dear hubby just brought me back a "souvenir" from his trip to Arizona...a pair of Toothpick Jeans in Bliss Wash! They are $79.99 on the website but marked down to $29.99 in the B&Ms. He got my usual jean size, but I find that they fit a bit smaller than the Matchstick or Slim Boy jean, so I would size up on these. Otherwise they are such cute jeans and the light wash is great for Spring/Summer. Hopefully I can exchange them when we are near a J Crew in a week...I know someone mentioned that if an item ended in .99 that it was final sale and not exchangable? Hopefully that won't be the case! :)

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  56. The Boardwalk cargo shorts run a bit big IMO. I got my usual size 4 and they were kinda loose. I'll probably return or exchange them for a 2.

    Katie Colorblock Cami- Super cute. I got my usual size 0 and it fit well. If you size down you'll get less of the "pregnant" look. But i was happy with it. It's well made and is good for those days when you don't want to wear something skintight.

    Denim Pencil Skirt- LOVE. I got a 4P so that the length would be right on me. It was a great deal and fits well. Scoop this one up if you get the chance. Totally worth it!

    Provence Dress- Got a 2 and i love it! Well made, wish it had removable straps and pockets...grab this one, its a real deal!

    Fumee Dress (24.99)- Interesting piece. It came all kinds of wrinkled so i wasn't loving it at first. It does run big and even though i got a size XS I really could have used an XXS. If you put it on w/o cinching the waist tie you will look like you're wearing a pillowcase. The jersey knit is soft and stretchy. When you tie the dress it starts to look oook. After 10 minutes of playing around with the tie im starting to like it. I'm also keeping it since it was final sale. Just make sure you size DOWN. Oh and it has pockets.

    Hth!

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  57. I see that the Drapey Reve tee is on sale online, and I'm considering getting it. Can anyone comment on the fit and sizing of this tee?
    Also, is it for sale in the B&Ms? TIA!

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  58. Hi all!
    Does anyone own the Milano Gladiator heels or seen them IRL? Currently on the hunt for a pair of fabulous red heels and spied these. In the catalog the english saddle color looks a tad red but online they seem more of a rust/brown color...Also currently stalking the Merino Confetti dress in hopes of a decent promo. Has anyone tried a medium or large?(Size 8 measurements but normally purchase 10/12 for a more modest look/fit).

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  59. Contuining my tradition of reviewing things that have been around for months.... :)

    The Loxley pumps had popped back in a 7, I waffled for a day and then decided to get them. I thought they might be a little dominatrix looking with the straps, but they're really not! I would have preferred black but could only get the vintage fatigue color, it's a very nice olive but I might actually have them died brown. I thought they would be a return but they looked totally brand new.

    I also got the curry Jenna cardigan. I was looking for a cardi to go with my Odeon oxfords, I wanted to match the mossy oak color. The mossy oak Dulphine was sold out and it looked like the curry Jenna would be a good match, and it is! It's as perfect as I could hope for. Not exactly a spring/summer item, I'll probably save it for fall.

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Dear J.Crew Aficionadas & Aficionados: Please feel free (and encouraged) to share your thoughts and opinions. :) However, please note that this is still a personal blog. So comments that are considered inappropriate (e.g. obscene, racist, homophobic, personal attacks, rude, and just plain mean) will be removed.

And now back to J.Crew! :)